COVID-19 Response

Student Resources

Dining Services

The Student Affairs office is opening the seminary community food shelf Monday-Friday as well as providing lunch and to-go dinner options for our on-campus residential students. Further information is available on Inside Luther Seminary.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) continues to monitor developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a SEVP-certified school, Luther Seminary has notified SEVP of the decision to move all classes online for the remainder of the spring semester. This is an important development as normally only one online or distance learning class can count toward a full course of study for an F-1 student during each term or semester. International Students are expected to be registered as full-time students each semester and to fully engage in online courses. Questions should be directed to International Student and Scholar Affairs.

Library Closure

The Library is now closed to students, staff and faculty; however, Library staff are still processing requests for materials. A “grab and go” station outside the Library doors. Requested materials and books will be placed in bags and identified with the name of the patron for pick up during Gullixson Hall’s regular hours. Inter-library loan requests are suspended until further notice.

Food Pantry

The food pantry has moved to Bockman 249. It has been stocked and is open Monday-Thursday 2:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. , and Friday 9:00 a.m. -noon.

Residential quarantine locations have been identified. While we’re not aware of any residential students who have fallen ill, these spaces have been identified as a precautionary measure.

Student Employment

Student employees whose on-campus duties are suspended will be provided alternative work arrangements. In addition, the seminary may authorize emergency paid absences for up to 10 days.

Residency Requirements

Residency requirements have been suspended for spring semester by our accrediting bodies. We have received written confirmation from both of our accrediting bodies, the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), that the residency requirements are temporarily suspended for the spring semester. We will provide updates about future terms as new information becomes available.

Distance learning for UMC students

Luther Seminary has received confirmation that for our United Methodist students distance learning is permissible for all seminary coursework through the end of the spring term. The extension of this authorization beyond the end of the spring term would require further action by the University Senate.